Both pay honest homage to the golden years of racing, when a classic was concluded with a Gitane and Pernod, and one's shorts didn't require silicon grippers to stay put. There then existed a certain sublime, yet understated fanfaronade - a synthesis of functionality and fioritura. This that intangible capability to fashion an item based on craftsmanship, not marketing demands.
Quoc Pham cycling shoes, an eponymous brand launched this year, offer five variations on a theme. They are the elegant answer for the urban enthusiast - stylish both on and off the bike, with a fine attention to detail, and sympathetic sculpting. In addition, you'll rediscover the long lost art of shoe lace tying. No velcro strap here.Each shoe is hand-numbered, as part of a limited edition run. There's even a patent leather option, to satisfy the most dandy. In essence, they appear not dissimilar to the bowling shoe, championed by the likes of both urban soul and mod cultures. Who knows, maybe the born-again Bradley Wiggins will take the Tour in a pair.
Similarly produced in limited numbers, Dromarti offer cycling shoes which are handmade in Italy, by Maressi. They advocate a 'life with passion', which comes in three styles - Sportivo, Race, and Storica, depending on how passionate you are. Within this trilogy, and a feature currently absent from the Quoc Pham range, is the application of cleat-receptive soles. The Race option offers the standard 3 point fixing system for toe-in pedals, whereas the Sportivo accommodates the SPD cycling citizen. Again we find a fine attention to detail - perfect stitching and soft, high quality Italian leather. Whereas the Pham footwear appear reminiscent of bowling shoes, those sold by Dromarti might not look out of place on a Brylcreamed Stanley Matthews.And then for the more narcissistic, brazen biker, Nalini have introduced a vintage silver model (also available in black)..
So horses for courses 'n all that, not forgetting the 'need for tweed', we say if you want to get ahead, you often have to go back.
